Now Sun Quan led his forces in a full assault on Xiakou. Huang Zu, his army shattered and his generals slain, knew he could no longer hold the city. Abandoning Jiangxia, he fled toward Jingzhou. Gan Ning, anticipating that Huang Zu would inevitably flee to Jingzhou, had stationed an ambush outside the eastern gate, lying in wait. Huang Zu, with a few dozen horsemen, burst through the eastern gate. As they rode, a sudden shout erupted, and Gan Ning blocked their path. From his saddle, Huang Zu addressed Gan Ning: "In the past, I never treated you lightly. Why do you press me so hard now?" Gan Ning roared back: "In my days at Jiangxia, I accomplished many deeds, yet you treated me as a mere river pirate! What do you have to say for yourself now?" Knowing escape was impossible, Huang Zu wheeled his horse and fled. Gan Ning charged through the soldiers, giving chase. Just then, a clamor arose behind him, and several more horsemen came galloping up. Gan Ning looked back and saw it was Cheng Pu. Fearing that Cheng Pu might steal the glory of the kill, Gan Ning hastily drew his bow, nocked an arrow, and shot Huang Zu in the back. The arrow struck true; Huang Zu tumbled from his saddle. Gan Ning cut off his head, then turned back to join forces with Cheng Pu. Together, they returned to Sun Quan and presented the severed head of Huang Zu. Sun Quan ordered it placed in a wooden box, to be offered as a sacrifice before his late father's spirit once they returned to Jiangdong. He richly rewarded the three armies and promoted Gan Ning to the rank of Chief Commandant. A discussion arose about dividing forces to garrison Jiangxia. Zhang Zhao advised: "A solitary city cannot be held. It would be better to return to Jiangdong for now. When Liu Biao learns that we have destroyed Huang Zu, he will surely come seeking revenge. We can meet him rested and fresh against his weary troops, and we will surely defeat him. Once Liu Biao is broken, we can press the attack and take the whole of Jing and Xiang." Sun Quan heeded his counsel, abandoned Jiangxia, and led his army back to Jiangdong.
Su Fei, confined within a prison cart, secretly sent a man to Gan Ning to beg for rescue. Gan Ning said: "Even if Su Fei had not spoken, could I have forgotten him?" When the army reached the Wu capital, Sun Quan ordered Su Fei to be beheaded, his head to be offered alongside Huang Zu's as a sacrifice. Gan Ning then entered Sun Quan's presence, knelt, and wept as he spoke: "In the past, if it were not for Su Fei, my bones would have filled a ditch. How could I have ever served under your command? Now Su Fei’s crime deserves death, but I remember his former kindness to me. I am willing to return my official rank and emoluments to redeem Su Fei’s crime." Sun Quan said: "Since he has shown you kindness, for your sake, I will pardon him. But what if he escapes?" Gan Ning replied: "If Su Fei is spared execution, he will be so grateful he would never dream of fleeing! If he does flee, I will lay my own head at your feet." Sun Quan then pardoned Su Fei and offered only Huang Zu's head as a sacrifice. After the ceremony, a grand feast was held, and all the civil and military officials celebrated their achievements.
In the midst of the drinking, a man suddenly rose from his seat with a great cry, drew his sword, and charged straight at Gan Ning. Gan Ning quickly grabbed a chair to defend himself. Sun Quan, startled, saw that the man was Ling Tong. Because Gan Ning had shot and killed Ling Tong’s father, Ling Cao, at Jiangxia, the sight of him now ignited a thirst for vengeance. Sun Quan hurriedly intervened and said to Ling Tong: "Gan Ning shot your father when each served his own master. In that situation, he could not do otherwise. Now that you are both under one banner, how can you pursue an old grievance? For my sake, let this matter rest." Ling Tong knelt and wept bitterly: "A feud of such magnitude cannot be ignored!" Sun Quan and the other officials urged him repeatedly, but Ling Tong only glared at Gan Ning with murderous eyes. That very day, Sun Quan ordered Gan Ning to take five thousand troops and one hundred war junks to garrison Xiakou, thereby separating him from Ling Tong. Gan Ning thanked his lord and departed with his men for Xiakou. Sun Quan then promoted Ling Tong to the rank of Cheng Lie Chief Commandant. Ling Tong could only swallow his hatred and desist. From that time on, the Eastern Wu built many war vessels, divided their forces to guard the riverbanks, and ordered Sun Jing to lead a contingent to guard the capital region. Sun Quan himself took command of the main army and stationed it at Chaisang. Zhou Yu drilled the navy daily at Poyang Lake, preparing for battle.
Let us speak of another matter. Liu Bei had sent scouts to gather news from Jiangdong. They returned and reported: "The Eastern Wu has already attacked and killed Huang Zu. Their army is now encamped at Chaisang." Liu Bei invited Zhuge Liang to discuss the situation. As they were speaking, a messenger arrived from Liu Biao, summoning Liu Bei to Jingzhou for a council. Zhuge Liang said: "This must be because the Eastern Wu has destroyed Huang Zu, and Liu Biao wants to discuss a plan for revenge. I should go with you, my lord, to observe the situation and act accordingly. I will have a good plan." Liu Bei agreed. He left Guan Yu to guard Xinye and ordered Zhang Fei to lead five hundred men to accompany him to Jingzhou. On the road, Liu Bei said to Zhuge Liang: "When I see Liu Biao, what should I say?" Zhuge Liang replied: "First, apologize for the incident at Xiangyang. If he asks you to lead a campaign against the Eastern Wu, do not agree. Instead, say you need to return to Xinye to reorganize your troops." Liu Bei followed this advice. When they arrived in Jingzhou, they settled into an official inn, leaving Zhang Fei with his troops encamped outside the city. Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang then entered the city to meet Liu Biao. After the formal greetings, Liu Bei knelt and begged forgiveness. Liu Biao said: "I have already learned of the attempt on your life. At the time, I wanted to execute Cai Mao and offer you his head, but my advisors pleaded for him, so I pardoned him for the moment. I hope you will not hold a grudge." Liu Bei replied: "It was not Cai Mao’s doing. It must have been the work of his subordinates." Liu Biao said: "Now that Jiangxia has fallen and Huang Zu has been killed, I have summoned you to discuss a plan for revenge." Liu Bei said: "Huang Zu was violent by nature and could not use men well, which led to this disaster. If we now raise an army to campaign south, what will we do if Cao Cao comes from the north?" Liu Biao said: "I am old and ill and cannot manage affairs. You should come and help me. After I die, you shall be the master of Jingzhou." Liu Bei replied: "How can you say such a thing! How could I dare to take on such a heavy responsibility?" Zhuge Liang shot Liu Bei a meaningful glance. Liu Bei then said: "Allow me to consider this carefully." They took their leave and departed.
Back at the inn, Zhuge Liang said: "Liu Biao wanted to entrust Jingzhou to you, my lord. Why did you refuse?" Liu Bei replied: "Liu Biao has treated me with great kindness and courtesy. How could I bear to take advantage of his weakness to seize his land?" Zhuge Liang sighed: "
Truly, a lord of perfect benevolence!" As they were discussing, a report came that Liu Biao’s son, Liu Qi, had come to visit. Liu Bei received him. Liu Qi, weeping, knelt and said: "My stepmother cannot tolerate me. My life hangs by a thread. I beg you, uncle, to take pity on me and save me." Liu Bei said: "This is a family matter. Why ask me?" Zhuge Liang smiled faintly. Liu Bei sought a plan from Zhuge Liang, but Zhuge Liang said: "This is a family affair. I dare not involve myself." After a while, Liu Bei escorted Liu Qi out and whispered in his ear: "Tomorrow, I will send Zhuge Liang to return your visit. Do as I tell you, and he will surely give you a good plan." Liu Qi thanked him and departed.
The next day, Liu Bei feigned a stomachache and asked Zhuge Liang to go in his place to return Liu Qi’s visit. Zhuge Liang agreed. He went to Liu Qi’s residence, dismounted, and entered to see the young master. Liu Qi invited him into the rear hall. After tea, Liu Qi said: "My stepmother cannot tolerate me. I beg you, sir, to say a word to save me." Zhuge Liang replied: "I am a guest here. How dare I meddle in family affairs? If word leaks out, the harm would be great." With that, he rose to take his leave. Liu Qi said: "Since you have honored me with your visit, how could I let you go so hastily?" He insisted on Zhuge Liang staying and led him into a private chamber for a drink. As they drank, Liu Qi again said: "My stepmother cannot tolerate me. I beg you, sir, to save me." Zhuge Liang said: "This is not something I dare to plan." He again tried to leave. Liu Qi said: "If you will not speak, so be it, but why must you leave?" Zhuge Liang sat down again. Liu Qi said: "I have an ancient book I would like you to see." He led Zhuge Liang up a small tower. Zhuge Liang asked: "Where is the book?" Liu Qi, weeping, knelt and said: "My stepmother cannot tolerate me. My life is in danger. Can you bear to say nothing to save me?" Zhuge Liang’s face darkened, and he rose to leave, but found the staircase had been removed. Liu Qi pleaded: "I seek your wise counsel, but you fear it might be revealed and refuse to speak. Now, with no Heaven above and no Earth below, what comes from your mouth goes only into my ears. Please, grant me your instruction!" Zhuge Liang said: "A stranger should not interfere between close kin. How can I devise a plan for you?" Liu Qi said: "Will you truly not teach me? My life is already forfeit! Let me die before you now!" He drew his sword and made to cut his own throat. Zhuge Liang stopped him and said: "I have a plan." Liu Qi knelt and said: "I beg you to tell me." Zhuge Liang said: "Have you not heard the story of Shen Sheng and Chong'er? Shen Sheng stayed within the state and died; Chong'er fled and lived. Now that Huang Zu has just died, Jiangxia lacks a defender. Why not ask to be sent to garrison Jiangxia? There you can avoid the danger." Liu Qi bowed twice in gratitude for the counsel and ordered someone to bring a ladder to help Zhuge Liang descend. Zhuge Liang took his leave, returned to Liu Bei, and told him everything. Liu Bei was overjoyed.
The next day, Liu Qi petitioned to be allowed to defend Jiangxia. Liu Biao was hesitant and asked Liu Bei’s opinion. Liu Bei said: "Jiangxia is a vital position and cannot be entrusted to just anyone. Your son himself is the right man for the task. You and your son can handle the affairs of the southeast, while I will take responsibility for the northwest." Liu Biao said: "I have heard that Cao Cao is building the Xuanwu Lake at Ye to train his navy. He must be planning a southern campaign. We must be on our guard." Liu Bei replied: "I am aware of this. Do not worry." He then took his leave and returned to Xinye. Liu Biao ordered Liu Qi to lead three thousand troops to garrison Jiangxia.
Now Cao Cao had abolished the posts of the Three Excellencies and assumed the title of Chancellor himself. He appointed Mao Jie as his Eastern Bureau Chief, Cui Yan as his Western Bureau Chief, and Sima Yi as his Literary Secretary. Sima Yi, whose style name was Zhongda, was a native of Wen County in Henei. He was the grandson of Sima Jun, the Grand Administrator of Yingchuan; the son of Sima Fang, the Governor of the Capital; and the younger brother of Sima Lang, the Chief Clerk. With his civil administration now fully staffed, Cao Cao gathered his military commanders to discuss a southern campaign. Xiahou Dun stepped forward and said: "I have heard that Liu Bei is drilling his troops daily at Xinye. He will surely become a future threat. It would be wise to eliminate him early." Cao Cao immediately appointed Xiahou Dun as Commander-in-Chief, with Yu Jin, Li Dian, Xiahou Lan, and Han Hao as his deputy commanders. They were given an army of one hundred thousand to march directly to Bowang City, with the aim of threatening Xinye. Xun Yu counseled: "Liu Bei is a true hero, and now he has Zhuge Liang as his military strategist. He should not be taken lightly." Xiahou Dun scoffed: "Liu Bei is nothing but a rat. I will surely capture him." Xu Shu added: "General, do not underestimate Liu Bei. Now that he has Zhuge Liang as his aide, it is like a tiger gaining wings." Cao Cao asked: "Who is this Zhuge Liang?" Xu Shu replied: "His style name is Kongming, and his Daoist title is the Crouching Dragon. He possesses the talent to order Heaven and Earth and the cunning of gods and spirits. He is a true genius of the age and should not be underestimated." Cao Cao asked: "How does he compare to you?" Xu Shu said: "How dare I compare myself to him? I am but the light of a firefly; he is the brilliance of the full moon." Xiahou Dun said: "Xu Shu’s words are nonsense. I regard Zhuge Liang as no more than a weed! What is there to fear? If I do not capture Liu Bei alive and take Zhuge Liang in a single battle, you may take my head!" Cao Cao said: "Send me word of your victory quickly, to put my mind at ease." Xiahou Dun, burning with determination, took his leave of Cao Cao and led his army on the march.
Now Liu Bei had treated Zhuge Liang with the utmost respect since acquiring his services, honoring him as a teacher. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were displeased. Zhang Fei said: "Zhuge Liang is young. What real talent does he have? Our elder brother treats him too well! And we have yet to see him accomplish anything!" Liu Bei replied: "Gaining Zhuge Liang is like a fish gaining water. Say no more, brothers." Guan Yu and Zhang Fei fell silent and withdrew. One day, someone sent a gift of yak tails. Liu Bei took the tails and began weaving a hat himself. Zhuge Liang entered, saw this, and said sternly: "My lord, have you abandoned all ambition, to occupy yourself with such trifles?" Liu Bei threw down the hat and apologized: "I was merely using this to forget my worries." Zhuge Liang asked: "How do you compare yourself to Cao Cao?" Liu Bei replied: "I am not his equal." Zhuge Liang said: "You have but a few thousand men. If Cao Cao’s army comes, how will you meet them?" Liu Bei said: "I have been worrying about this very problem. I have no good plan." Zhuge Liang said: "Quickly recruit more volunteers. I will train them myself, and we can prepare to face the enemy." Liu Bei then recruited three thousand men from among the people of Xinye. Day and night, Zhuge Liang drilled them in military formations.
Suddenly, a report arrived that Cao Cao had sent Xiahou Dun with one hundred thousand troops, marching straight for Xinye. When Zhang Fei heard this, he said to Guan Yu: "Let’s send Zhuge Liang to face the enemy!" Just then, Liu Bei summoned the two brothers and said: "Xiahou Dun is coming with his army. How shall we meet him?" Zhang Fei retorted: "Brother, why don’t you send your 'water' to deal with him?" Liu Bei said: "For strategy, I rely on Zhuge Liang; for valor, I rely on you two brothers. Do not shirk your duty!" Guan Yu and Zhang Fei withdrew. Liu Bei then invited Zhuge Liang to discuss the matter. Zhuge Liang said: "I fear that Guan Yu and Zhang Fei will not obey my commands. If you wish me to command the army, I will need your sword and seal of authority." Liu Bei gave him the sword and seal. Zhuge Liang then assembled all the generals to receive their orders. Zhang Fei whispered to Guan Yu: "Let’s see what he commands. We’ll watch how he deploys us." Zhuge Liang issued his orders: "To the left of Bowang is a mountain called Yushan; to the right is a forest called Anlin. Both are suitable for ambushes. Guan Yu, take one thousand men and lie in ambush at Yushan. When the enemy arrives, let them pass without engaging. Their supply wagons will be in the rear. When you see flames to the south, attack and burn their supplies. Zhang Fei, take one thousand men and lie in ambush in the valley behind Anlin. When you see flames to the south, advance to the old grain depot at Bowang City and set it ablaze. Guan Ping and Liu Feng, take five hundred men with tinder and kindling.
Wait on both sides of the slope behind Bowang. When the enemy arrives at the first watch, set the fires." He then ordered: "Recall Zhao Yun from Fancheng and make him the vanguard. He is not to win, only to lose. My lord, you will lead a force as the rear guard. Everyone must follow these orders precisely. Do not fail." Guan Yu asked: "We are all going out to fight. What will the military strategist be doing?" Zhuge Liang replied: "I will sit and guard the city." Zhang Fei laughed loudly: "We all go to fight, and you sit at home? How comfortable!" Zhuge Liang said: "The sword and seal are here. Anyone who disobeys orders will be executed!" Liu Bei added: "Have you not heard the saying, 'Plans are laid in the tent, but victories are won a thousand li away'? Do not disobey, brothers." Zhang Fei sneered and left. Guan Yu said: "Let’s see if his plan works. We can question him later." The two departed. None of the generals knew Zhuge Liang’s true capabilities. Though they followed his orders, they were filled with doubt. Zhuge Liang said to Liu Bei: "My lord, today you should lead your troops to camp at the foot of Bowang Mountain. Tomorrow at dusk, the enemy will arrive. Abandon your camp and flee. When you see the fires, turn back and attack. I, along with Mi Zhu and Mi Fang, will guard the city with five hundred men." He ordered Sun Qian and Jian Yong to prepare a victory feast and set out the merit rolls. After all the deployments were made, even Liu Bei was filled with doubt.
Now Xiahou Dun, with Yu Jin and the others, led his army to Bowang. He divided half of his elite troops as the vanguard, while the rest guarded the supply wagons. It was autumn, and a cool wind was rising. As the men and horses advanced, they saw dust rising ahead. Xiahou Dun ordered his troops to halt and form ranks. He asked his guide: "What place is this?" The guide replied: "Ahead is Bowang City; behind is the Luochuan Pass." Xiahou Dun ordered Yu Jin and Li Dian to hold the line while he rode forward. Seeing the enemy forces approaching, Xiahou Dun suddenly burst into laughter. His officers asked: "General, why do you laugh?" He replied: "I laugh at Xu Shu, who praised Zhuge Liang to the Chancellor as a divine being. Now I see his tactics—sending such a paltry force as his vanguard to face me! It is like driving sheep and dogs against tigers and leopards! I boasted to the Chancellor that I would capture Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang alive. Today, my words will be fulfilled!" He then spurred his horse forward. Zhao Yun rode out to meet him. Xiahou Dun cursed: "You follow Liu Bei like a lost soul follows a ghost!" Zhao Yun, enraged, charged forward. The two horses met, and after only a few exchanges, Zhao Yun feigned defeat and fled. Xiahou Dun gave chase. After about ten li, Zhao Yun turned back and fought again. After a few more exchanges, he fled once more. Han Hao galloped forward and advised: "Zhao Yun is trying to lure us into a trap. There may be an ambush." Xiahou Dun said: "If this is all the enemy has, even if they set ten ambushes, I have nothing to fear!" He ignored Han Hao’s warning and pressed the pursuit all the way to Bowang Slope. A cannon boomed, and Liu Bei himself appeared with his force, engaging the enemy. Xiahou Dun laughed and said to Han Hao: "So this is their ambush! If I do not reach Xinye tonight, I will not stop!" He urged his army forward. Liu Bei and Zhao Yun retreated. By now, it was late, and thick clouds covered the sky. There was no moonlight. The wind that had risen during the day grew even fiercer at night. Xiahou Dun only pressed his men forward in the pursuit.
Yu Jin and Li Dian reached a narrow defile, with reeds on both sides. Li Dian said to Yu Jin: "He who underestimates his enemy will surely be defeated. The road ahead is narrow, hemmed in by mountains and thick with trees and undergrowth. What if they use fire?" Yu Jin replied: "You are right. I will ride ahead and warn the commander. You stop the rear guard." Li Dian reined in his horse and shouted: "Rear guard, slow down!" But the men and horses were already in full stride and could not be stopped. Yu Jin galloped forward, shouting: "Commander of the vanguard, halt!" Xiahou Dun, still riding forward, saw Yu Jin coming from behind and asked what was the matter. Yu Jin said: "The road ahead is narrow, hemmed in by mountains and thick with trees. Beware of fire!" Xiahou Dun suddenly realized the danger and turned his horse to order the army to halt. But before he could finish, a great shout arose from behind, and a wall of fire erupted. In an instant, the reeds on both sides caught fire. In a flash, flames surrounded them on all sides. The wind fanned the fire, making it even more ferocious. Cao Cao’s men trampled each other in the chaos, and countless numbers died. Zhao Yun turned his army around and attacked. Xiahou Dun fled through the smoke and flames. Li Dian, seeing the situation was hopeless, raced back toward Bowang City, but a force blocked his path in the firelight. At the head of the enemy was Guan Yu. Li Dian charged into the melee, fighting his way through. Yu Jin, seeing the supply wagons all ablaze, fled down a small path. Xiahou Lan and Han Hao tried to rescue the supplies but ran into Zhang Fei. After only a few exchanges, Zhang Fei ran Xiahou Lan through with his spear, killing him. Han Hao fought his way out. The battle raged until dawn before the victors finally withdrew. The field was strewn with corpses, and blood flowed like rivers.
History records a verse: At Bowang Slope, the fire attack was deployed, A plan executed with calm and ease. It struck terror into Cao Cao’s heart— The first great triumph of the fledgling strategist from the thatched hut.
Xiahou Dun gathered his shattered forces and returned to Xuchang.
Now Zhuge Liang recalled his army. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei said to each other: "Zhuge Liang is truly a hero!" They had not ridden far when they saw Mi Zhu and Mi Fang leading a troop escorting a small carriage. Seated in the carriage was Zhuge Liang. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei dismounted and knelt before the carriage. Soon, Liu Bei, Zhao Yun, Liu Feng, and Guan Ping arrived. They gathered the army, distributed the captured grain and supplies to the soldiers as rewards, and marched back to Xinye. The people of Xinye knelt in the road, blocking the way to pay their respects. They said: "Our lives are spared, all because our lord has gained the service of a wise man!" When Zhuge Liang returned to the city, he said to Liu Bei: "Though Xiahou Dun has been defeated, Cao Cao will surely come with his main army." Liu Bei asked: "What shall we do then?" Zhuge Liang replied: "I have a plan that can withstand Cao Cao’s army." Truly: The enemy was broken, but the warhorses could not rest; To avoid the coming storm, a new and clever plan was best. What was this plan? Let the next chapter reveal the outcome.